Predators center Craig Smith (15) thanks center Kevin Fiala (22) for the assist after his goal against the Senators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) protects the goal as Senators and Predators crash the goal during the third period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Predators center Kevin Fiala (22) gathers a loose puck during their game against the Senators during the third period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) is sprayed with ices as he blocks a shot by Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Predators right wing Miikka Salomaki (20) gets into a scuffle with Senators right wing Marian Gaborik (12) during the second period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Predators right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) celebrates his goal against the Senators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Predators right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) is congratulated by Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9), center Ryan Johansen (92) and defenseman Roman Josi (59) after his goal against the Senators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Predators congratulate defenseman Roman Josi (59) after his goal against the Senators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Predators defenseman Roman Josi (59) is congratulated by center Kyle Turris (8) after his goal against the Senators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. George Walker IV / Tennessean.com

Predators congratulate defenseman Roman Josi (59) after his goal against the Senators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn.(Photo: George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)

To those of you overwhelmed with concern over the Predators' recent funk, know that none exists inside of their dressing room.

Let the Predators' 5-2 victory against the Ottawa Senators on Monday calm those fears, at least for now.

Here are three observations from Monday's win:

Back to basics

The Predators spent a substantial amount of their time in the previous seven games — virtually half of it — playing from behind.

A major component of the Predators' successful formula this season has been their ability to seize a lead and rarely relinquish it.

Predators right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) is congratulated by Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9), center Ryan Johansen (92) and defenseman Roman Josi (59) after his goal against the Senators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo: George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)

They rediscovered that swagger Monday at the Senators' expense. Two goals in the first period — captain Roman Josi's one-timer on the power play and a splendid passing display finished off by forward Viktor Arvidsson — gave Nashville its first multi-goal lead in more than two weeks.

In a strange coincidence, the Senators scored both of their goals 91 seconds after the Predators took 2-0 and 3-1 leads. The Predators, however, didn't relent, looking more like themselves than they have in recent weeks.

Predators right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) celebrates his goal against the Senators during the first period at Bridgestone Arena Monday, Feb. 19, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn. (Photo: George Walker IV / Tennessean.com)

Shots are on Arvidsson

Arvidsson reached 20 goals Monday with his two-goal performance, his first this season. He, Ryan Johansen and Filip Forsberg decidedly controlled possession in a return to form for the Predators' dynamic top forward line.

Arvidsson had a career-high nine shots Monday, tied for the second-most by a Predators player this season. He generated seven of those shots during the third period as he sought a hat trick.

In an encouraging development, Arvidsson's two goals and forward Craig Smith's in the third period all originated from within or around high-danger areas, something that the team has struggled to do with regularity.

Fisher getting closer to return

Mike Fisher, who played the first 675 games of his NHL career with the Senators, was a popular interview subject Monday morning.

He updated his progress as he works toward a return to the Predators' active roster.

"I'm definitely feeling closer," Fisher said. "Hopefully by March I'll be good to go. ... I've still got to get a lot more good, good skates in. I feel like my speed's pretty good. It's just getting endurance and game-shape stuff that I've been working at after practice."